Unusual Object Bookends | Family Economics

By Cathe

As you might imagine, I spend a good deal of time at my local arts and crafts store. The other day I came across a display of toy replica animals, which I’ve probably walked by a million times without even a glance. But on this particular day, these sweet elephants caught my eye. I thought they would add fun interest to my large bookcase and be a neat addition.

Consider objects as simple as these elephants for adding a little fun to your own shelves. Simple items can help break up the monotony of rows filled with book spines, similar to decorative bookends. Look for non-linear items such as:

•    Vintage metal toys (trucks, wagons or sand pails)
•    An antique vase or trinket (paint them a solid color to coordinate with your décor)
•    Balls, spheres, globes or any other round objects that will not roll away (use poster putty if necessary to ground the item to the shelf)
•    Collectables such as an old camera, bottles or teapot

Here are some fun arrangements I made with my elephants:

If you want to use items that are too lightweight to keep a book from falling over on it, use a standard bookend and slide it under the inside cover of the last book in the row. The lightweight object you choose will only be needed to keep the book cover closed.

What are some ideas you have for getting creative with your bookshelves?